From the surface, the Lady Tankers dive back in
After two long years of the excruciating waiting game, the De La Salle University’s (DLSU) Lady Tankers are finally diving back in. They are hungrier than ever to set a first-time record of bagging a double championship for both the men and women’s team, especially now that they are seeing a great chance in accelerating their momentum. The women’s team is set in stone to grab this opportunity while it presents itself.
From missing out on the last season, the team had expressed that there is definitely pressure and nervousness as they anticipate the commencement of their competition but most importantly, the excitement overshadows them all. This is why the Lady Tankers had started preparing since August this year and a definite change on their dynamics could be felt. But these changes are for the better and the hype is only growing stronger.
DLSU’s women’s swimming team had doubled in size in comparison to their last season’s participation in the UAAP and because of this, Co-Captain Nikki Pamintuan pointed out that “it feels like the first time again,”, more so that she feels like they are now having closer relationships and stronger bonds as they course through these shared experiences and fulfillment as they get ready for Season 85 and looks forward to making memories with this newfound family.
Pamintuan, aiming to also qualify for the upcoming SEA Games, has her personal best record set in her 200-meter Freestyle race with 2 minutes and 7 seconds. She boasts that this is with the help of her #1 supporter — her grandmother, who unfortunately had passed away, but this just makes her all the more determined to do better, something that their coaches share the same sentiment over and help them with.
In distinction to the last season, trainings are more intense now as their coaches had become more hands-on and particular to the team’s specific and individual physical needs. The coaches are stricter and more critical than ever, setting a clear boundary and standard for the team, which all of them are very appreciative of. They are often reminded of by their coaches to manage their time well but also highlighting the importance of having fun and to live in the moment. Over their team dinners and bonding in Agno, their coaches remind them that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that this moment will easily pass — the thrill of it all.
So, to speak, the Lady Tankers had established a tradition of saying their prayers before stepping into the water followed by the renowned DLSU chant, “Animo La Salle!”, and making sure to never forget saying a praise of thanks after the race as well. This is their way of grounding themselves and remembering to be better individuals above being better athletes as this peak and high won’t be forever, but what they learn from here will stay.
As their co-captain, Pamintuan imparted some words of wisdom for her team members, “i-enjoy nila yung college life nila pero not too much kasi meron tayong priorities as a student athlete na kailangan nating i-balance. So, have fun and walang pressure naman sa training kasi alam kong binibigay naman nila lahat”.
As they step up again for this UAAP Season 85, definitely keep your guard up for the De La Salle University’s Lady Tankers as they are in it to win it. With their new recruit Chloe Isleta now on the team, a gold medalist of the last SEA Games 2022 from the University of Arizona, the Lady Tankers have their chests huffed and ready to take on the race.
“Win or lose, we’ll be back and for sure, mas magi-improve pa kami; not just as swimmers but as people din” — Pamintuan, DLSU Lady Tankers’ Co-Captain.
